12 Enchanting Holiday Experiences to Enjoy in Central Florida
It’s the holiday season in Central Florida! Palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, pink flamingos wearing Santa hats, and nightly “snowfall”—that’s Christmas in Florida!
While most cities bundle up for winter, Central Florida transforms into a unique holiday paradise where you can wear shorts while sipping hot cocoa. From Disney World’s magical celebrations to local festivities at Lake Eola, the list of things to do in Orlando during the holiday season seems endless.
Whether you’re a local looking for festive weekend activities or a visitor planning your Central Florida holiday trip, we’ve rounded up some must-visit attractions and events. Each offers its special take on holiday magic, from world-famous theme park celebrations to charming local traditions that capture the season’s spirit.
Theme Parks
Let’s start with what we’re known for—theme Parks! With so many options, there is a festive theme park celebration for everyone.
Walt Disney World
The magic starts in early November, as the parks begin to transform into a holiday season wonderland. The entire resort sparkles with festive decorations, special shows, and unique seasonal experiences across all four parks. We recommend:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This special ticketed event happens after-hours in Magic Kingdom and is full of seasonal fun like:
- Meeting your favorite characters in their holiday attire
- Special shows in front of the castle
- Snow on Main Street
End your evening with a complimentary cookie and hot cocoa while you watch the special holiday parade and fireworks.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
Looking for a free holiday activity at Walt Disney World? Explore the enchanting Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs. Throughout December, elaborately decorated trees showcase themes from the Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel universes. Use your MagicBand+ to add a little magic with interactive elements at some of the trees.
Gingerbread Houses
Visit the Grand Floridian resort to see the life-size gingerbread house. Buy yourself a gingerbread cookie and revel in the Victorian Christmas atmosphere. For a real treat, visit the deluxe resorts for themed gingerbread displays by the chefs at each location. Our favorite is Disney’s Beach Club resort, which features a working carousel!
Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort unleashes its holiday spirit with a spectacular celebration running from late November through December. Among the many things to do in Orlando during the festive season, Universal’s holiday offerings stand out with their unique blend of classic cheer and playful charm.
Grinchmas
Seuss Landing transforms into a whimsical winter wonderland where the spirit of Whoville comes alive. The centerpiece is the heartwarming Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, performed multiple times daily. Snag a memorable photo with Mr. Grinch while Whoville residents spread holiday cheer throughout the land.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
The streets of Universal Studios Florida come alive with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, showcasing:
- Larger-than-life balloons
- Beloved characters from your favorite movies
- A grand finale featuring Santa
Universal takes the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and gives it a Florida feel that will make even the family Grinch smile!
Sea World’s Christmas Celebration
Dive into an aquatic winter wonderland as SeaWorld Orlando presents one of Central Florida’s most unique holiday experiences. From late November to early January, the park transforms with over three million sparkling lights, creating a mesmerizing blend of seasonal magic and marine wonder.
Sea of Trees Light Show
The park’s signature holiday attraction turns the central lagoon into a dazzling spectacle. Hundreds of trees shimmer in perfect synchronization with holiday classics, and a towering 70-foot centerpiece tree rises from the water, creating breathtaking 360-degree views from anywhere around the lagoon.
Holiday Shows and Performances
SeaWorld’s Christmas celebration features an impressive lineup of seasonal entertainment. Our team’s favorites are:
- “O Wondrous Night” – A heartwarming retelling of the Christmas story featuring life-sized puppets and live animals
- “Winter Wonderland on Ice” – A spectacular ice-skating production combining holiday music with stunning choreography
- “Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen” – An entertaining cooking show sharing the North Pole’s sweetest secrets
There is much more to see and sample at Sea World, including the market and many festive treats.
Other Central Florida Attractions
Not visiting the theme parks but still want to get your holiday vibe going? Central Florida has loads of options that will do the trick. Here are our team’s top picks.
Icon Park
Located along International Drive, ICON Park transforms into a holiday destination where modern entertainment meets traditional Christmas charm. This 20-acre entertainment complex offers some of the most accessible things to do in Orlando during the festive season, complete with free parking and no admission fees.
The Santa Workshop Experience
Create lasting memories at the Santa Workshop Experience. Each child’s visit includes a professional photo session and impressive complimentary perks:
- A free ride on The Wheel in a holiday-decorated capsule
- Complimentary access to the Carousel on The Promenade
- 50% off tickets for accompanying guests
Tip: Connect your favorite holiday playlist via Bluetooth while soaring above Orlando’s glittering landscape.
Holiday Light Show
The Wheel becomes Central Florida’s most dramatic holiday light display, with 64,000 LED lights dancing to seasonal music. Visitors can experience magical “snowfall” nightly from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, creating a perfect winter atmosphere despite Florida’s warm climate.
Leu Gardens
For its fifth spectacular year, the enchanting Dazzling Nights transform Harry P. Leu Gardens into one of Central Florida’s most mesmerizing things to do during the holiday season. This immersive journey spans through 50 acres of botanical wonderland.
Over a million twinkling lights illuminate the garden’s natural beauty. This year’s experience introduces several new elements, including a forest of stained glass windows illuminated by hundreds of candles. Visitors can explore trees with holiday greetings from around the world, creating perfect photo opportunities.
Ice!
For a unique (and chilly) experience, visit Ice! At Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee. This popular walk-through ice display features life-sized scenes of everyone’s favorite elf, Buddy. The theme changes yearly, making it a great way to start a holiday tradition with family and friends.
You can slide down the ice, make gingerbread houses, and even see a special show by Cirque. Customize your day to create your holiday adventure, or make it a staycation with one of their inclusive packages.
Other Holiday Festivities
Winter Park
This charming area celebrates the holidays by stepping back in time. Performances, boat rides, shopping events, and more are held throughout the month.
Park Avenue
“Christmas on Park” transforms this district with over 150,000 twinkling lights, creating a multi-sensory experience. The celebration includes the magical Cathedral of Lights in Central Park, a European-style carousel at City Hall, and festive wreaths adorning every lamppost.
Winter Garden
Downtown Winter Garden is one of our favorite places for holiday cheer. There are lots of reasons to visit during the holidays. Here are just a few:
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Street performers and live music
- Projection shows
- Holiday markets and shopping events
- Seasonal music while you stroll through the dazzling light displays
There is free parking, and many events are free to experience.
Holiday Joe
]Known to the locals as “Holiday Joe,” The Williams Holiday House is not to be missed. This private home invites you to take in their jolly holiday display each year. Bring the family and walk among thousands of lights, merry displays, and holiday music.
Dazzling Nights
Don’t just drive around looking at Christmas lights. Be part of the experience at Dazzling Nights. Lanterns, interactive light experiences, laser shows, and a few more surprises await you at this event, ticketed by Creative City Project.
Holiday Shows
Want a more traditional holiday experience? Take in a holiday show at one of the many theatres in the Central Florida area. It’s not Christmas without taking in one of our favorite classics or finding a new one to enjoy. Here are some suggestions:
The Nutcracker Ballet
Orlando Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker graces Steinmetz Hall from December 6-22, 2024. Stunning set pieces and dazzling costumes immerse you in this beloved story. There are a variety of show times, including special family-friendly shows.
A Christmas Carol
Orlando Shakes presents its version of Scrooge’s story during the season. Founded by a University of Central Florida professor, this theatre provides a world-class experience as they tell the story of everyone’s favorite miser, Ebenezer Scrooge.
Conclusion
Central Florida’s holiday season sparkles with possibilities. The city beautiful proves that snow isn’t necessary for creating unforgettable Christmas memories. Each destination adds a special touch to the season, from grand-scale theme park entertainment to charming local events.
We hope this list helps to bring some holiday spirit to your family. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to create lasting memories!
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